“Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”
― Samuel Johnson, The Life of Samuel Johnson LL.D. Vol 3
London proved to me that I cannot always expect to understand places that I have not been before. From history classes in high school to theory and history classes in college I thought I was able to paint a pretty actuate portrait of what I thought London to be. I have even traveled to London as a child, and many cities around the world reassuring me that I could confidently imagine what the city would look and feel like once I inhabited it.
I could not have been more wrong.
From my very first day in London I could tell immediately that the city felt so much larger and taller than I had expected. My memories of London in the early 2000 were of a lower city, that felt more exposed to the light when walking through the streets full of cobblestone and old renaissance inspired buildings. This was the exact opposite of what was really there. The new buildings made the skyline of the city reach high into the clouds with the Chard, and stretch wide into the distance with canary warf. The old architecture was tucked into alley’s and corners, showing a glimpse of what use to be. The city was modern and sprinkled with cranes showing it wasn’t slowing down anytime soon. This was all unexpected to me even though I knew of all these buildings, but still couldn’t imagine them in site.
London also allowed me to push myself out of my comfort zone by meeting and befriending people who I wouldn’t normally be close with. I found myself with a group of friends that made the experience of studying abroad and being in London much more of a beautiful experience. I had expected to make loose friendships with people because I had to, but I met truly great people who enhance many different parts of the trip I never expected. Kendra was able to show me art in completely new ways, looking modern works through a new lens. Adrianne who is highly involved in greek life here at OSU made me realize many things about back home, and allowed me to feel like I was part of the group which was an incredible moment for me. Kayla and Megan both pushed me to look at architecture in new ways that I hadn’t imagined I would, as well as Trace, Taylor, Cori, and Rachel. They all allowed me to be a part of their experiences, CeCe and Sandy with plays and movies, all the way to city planning and gentrification ideas. All of the people on this trip that I didn’t even mention all made me view London in a new and exciting way that I ever would have by going alone. And for that I am very grateful, London surprised me in the kindest ways and I’m left with the fondest memories.
